For Ivonne is a hard-working Memphian, like many Church Health patients. She was in desperate need of help. “My life was totally destroyed,” she remembers. With her health rapidly declining from diabetes she didn’t know she had, she found Church Health. “It changed my life.”
When Ivonne’s sons died, she found comfort in food. Over time, her weight increased along with her cholesterol and A1C. Her health and physical activity took a sharp decline. She thanks Kimberly, Church Health’s Registered Dietician, for helping her increase her physical activity, gain awareness of her diabetes, and learn new recipes with vegetables at the center of her plate.
Growing up, Ivonne learned how to eat and how to live from her parents. But now, she realizes that there are more lessons to learn outside of those taught by her parents.
“There’s people that really care about you,” she says about her family. She adds that there is another way to eat and live healthily, one that she has learned through Church Health’s programming and support: “There’s another life.”
At Church Health, Ivonne learned new ways to cook. Now, she uses less oil and cooks more vegetables. She raves about the nutrition and cooking classes offered at Church Health, “The classes are awesome. I’d like to try to take them again.” The thought of cooking new recipes excites and inspires Ivonne to continue her health journey. She loves using the Eat Love meal planning software, where Kimberly can provide recipe suggestions based on Ivonne’s individual needs and goals.
When Kimberly reminds Ivonne of her success working with Church Health, her face lights up. Ivonne’s smile is contagious. Since starting at Church Health, Ivonne has lost twelve pounds and her A1C has dropped 2 full points. “I lost a lot of weight. I feel more healthy and more peaceful.” She also sought the care provided by the Church Health Behavioral Health Clinic.
Ivonne helps others seek a new life with the care provided at Church Health. Her gratitude is as contagious as her smile: “Thank you guys for being here for a lot of people. We need you guys.”
With your generous support, Church Health continues to change the lives of hardworking Memphians, our fellow community members, every day. —>
